October 21, 1983
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
Among this Nation's greatest treasures are the creative talents of our people and the opportunities
available for them to develop their talents and thereby enhance the richness of our cultural life. In
every artistic discipline, great American artists and institutions have established ever-rising
standards of achievement to challenge and inspire successive generations.
No single institution embodies this tradition of sustained artistic achievement more fully than the
Metropolitan Opera, which is celebrating 100 years of extraordinary contributions to the culture
of America. Legendary performances of music theater masterpieces have filled the Metropolitan
Opera House in New York, halls across the country during the Company's annual tours, and
millions of American homes through live radio and television broadcasts which have become part
of our national tradition. The Metropolitan Opera also reaches out to discover and encourage
young American talent by auditions held throughout the country, and it nurtures and develops
great singers of the future.
Through its deep involvement with artists, audiences, and patrons, and with the voluntary
assistance of the members of its National Council, the Metropolitan Opera has contributed
invaluably to the growth of an American opera community whose vitality and brilliance are
acclaimed around the world.
In recognition of the Metropolitan Opera's extraordinary achievements and commitment to
excellence, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 128, has authorized and requested the
President to designate October 22, 1983, the one hundredth anniversary of its first performance,
as ``Metropolitan Opera Day'' throughout the United States.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
designate October 22, 1983, as Metropolitan Opera Day and call upon all Federal, State and local
government agencies, interested groups and organizations, and the people of the United States to
observe that day by engaging in appropriate programs and activities to show their support of
America's rich heritage in music theater and one of its premier performing institutions.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of October, in the year of
our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and eighth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:30 a.m., October 24, 1983]